Sun Belt Power Rankings: Week 6

BOONE, NC - OCTOBER 1: Running back Jalin Moore #25 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers is stopped on a carry by linebacker Michael Shaw #44 of the Georgia State Panthers and linebacker Trey Payne #42 during the second quarter of an NCAA football game on October 1, 2016 at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)

Last week was a quiet one in the Sun Belt Conference, with only three games taking place, while the other six teams were off.

But last week did feature the conference’s two winless teams take their first victories of the season. Arkansas State upset Georgia Southern with a last minute touchdown drive, and Georgia State defeated Texas State by 20 points.

The third conference game featured an Idaho win over Louisiana Monroe.

Here is the rankings for all 11 Sun belt teams following week six.

11. Louisiana Monroe (1-4, 0-2)

The Warhawks joined the 1-4 club with their loss to Idaho. They sit alone in the 1-5 club this week if they lose to Texas State. But Louisiana Monroe has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly against Georgia State a few weeks ago.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, vs. Texas State. 7:00 pm ET.

10. Arkansas State (1-4, 1-0)

After a rough first four games, the Red Wolves picked up their first win of 2016, placing them in the tie for first place. College football really is a tale of two seasons. Non-conference games can be put behind them, and their one focus now is a repeat as Sun Belt champions. They can continue their re-ascension up the Sun Belt this week against South Alabama.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, vs. South Alabama. 7:00 pm ET.

9. Georgia State (1-4, 1-1)

The Panthers also had a rough first four games, but to their credit, they nearly beat Wisconsin in Madison and was competitive against Appalachian State. They defeated Texas State Saturday to end their five game losing streak dating back to last season. They’ll be looking for a similar streak as the one they ended 2015 with. They play Troy this Saturday and are more than capable of pulling off the upset.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, at Troy. 3:30 pm ET.

8.Texas State (2-3, 0-1)

Texas State was thumped by Georgia State 41-21 in their Sun belt opener. The Bobcats appeared shaky throughout the first month of the season, but they remained at .500. Georgia State was their first major test to gauge their ability. They can bounce back this week versus the worst team in the conference, Louisiana Monroe.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, at Louisiana Monroe. 7:00 pm ET.

7. Idaho (3-3, 1-1)

The Vandals won their first Sun Belt game of 2016 with a close 34-31 win over Louisiana Monroe. They go for their second this week against New Mexico State.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, vs. New Mexico State. 5:00 pm ET.

6. Louisiana Lafayette (2-3, 1-1)

I wasn’t sure of what to make of the Ragin’ Cajuns after the first month of the season. They were 2-2, they looked good in the wins and bad in the losses. But their loss to New Mexico State gave me clarity that they aren’t back to the 2013-2014 level yet. They play Appalachian State this week, which is the best team they will have played so far.

5. New Mexico State (2-3, 1-1)

Coming off a bye week, The Aggies go for their second win in the Sun Belt against Idaho.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, at Idaho. 5:00 pm ET.

4. Georgia Southern (3-2, 2-1)

Georgia Southern dropped their second game in a row to Arkansas State when they gave up a last second touchdown drive, after they had led for the previous 54 minutes of the game. The keep from falling too much in the rankings, because two of the three teams behind them lost. But this week isn’t going to be any easier for the Eagles, as they travel to Atlanta to play Georgia Tech.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, at Georgia Tech. 12:30 pm ET.

3. South Alabama (3-2, 0-2)

The Jaguars have looked great in non-conference play so far with wins over Mississippi State and San Diego State, but they’ve looked less than impressive in conference play. They can right the ship this week against Arkansas State.

Next game: Saturday, October 15th, at Arkansas State. 7:00 pm ET.

2. Appalachian State (3-2, 1-0)

The Mountaineers play at Louisiana Lafayette this week after their bye week. Baring an unexpected upset, Appalachian State should improve to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the Sun Belt.

1. Troy (4-1, 2-0)

The Trojans stay on top of the power rankings following a bye week. But this week they play a dangerous Georgia State team. If the Trojans don’t play at their best, their spot atop these rankings, as well as the Sun Belt standings, will fall.